Pathologic conditions of the ligaments and tendons of the knee

Abstract

Excellent spatial resolution and unparalleled contrast resolution have allowed MRI to emerge as the dominant imaging modality for diagnosis of ligament and tendon pathology of the knee joint This article presents several important mechanisms of injury associated with tendon and ligament disruptions. When present, the pattern of bone contusions may reveal the vector of force. When one is aware of the mechanism of injury, it is possible to analyze systematically the structures of the knee and maximize the detection of pathology. Recognition of a knee dislocation pattern is important because the diagnosis may be unsuspected, and the clinician may have to be alerted to the possibility of vascular and neural injury.